Overview
Solar keratoses are pre-cancerous skin lesions on sun-exposed skin of the face and scalp. On the scalp they occur on balding individuals where chronic sun exposure occurs. They are often seen in fair skinned individuals who have had exposure to sunlight for many years. They often occur in middle-aged and older individuals. Solar keratoses present as ill-defined red scaly patches on the skin. The surface of the lesion looks and feel rough (akin to fine sandpaper). The lesion is painless and not itchy. If left untreated solar keratosis may develop into skin cancer.
Detection & Treatment
Solar keratoses must be destroyed to stop cancerous transformation. It is usually destroyed with liquid nitrogen applications or topical anticancer cream e.g. 5-fluorouracil. Patients with solar keratoses must avoid further sun exposure. Patients should avoid mid-day sun exposure and use sunscreen cream daily. He should consult his doctor regularly to get treatment whenever new lesions occur. A skin biopsy may be necessary to ascertain if a cancer has developed.
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